Madeleine McCann: full statement from parents Gerry and Kate McCann

The statement in full from Gerry and Kate McCann, issued on the day they
released an age progression image of their daughter Madeleine and ahead of
the second anniversary of her disappearance.

Madeleine McCann: Unveiled on Oprah Winfrey's live chat show in the United States, the image depicts the child at six years of age.Photo: PA

8:00AM BST 02 May 2009

"It is two long years since Madeleine was taken. It is two years since we were a happy family of five. The pain and anxiety does not lessen, but our determination to find our beautiful daughter remains steadfast.

"We are no longer looking for a four-year-old little girl - but a six-year-old one. This is crucial.

"We are hoping that the new age-progressed image of Madeleine aged six, produced by the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children in Washington, will help people to see what Madeleine may look like today.

"On May 7 at 9pm, UK time, a televised reconstruction of potentially significant and suspicious events from around the time that Madeleine was taken will be aired on Channel 4 in Britain.

"Much of this information has not been disclosed to the general public before and it is apparent that there are several highly important unanswered questions remaining.

"Just one of these answers could provide us with that vital piece of information that leads us to Madeleine.

"It is our hope that these reconstructed scenes will trigger somebody's memory and prompt them to come forward - giving us the key piece of the jigsaw that we - and Madeleine especially - so desperately need.

"Madeleine is still missing! She has the right to be back with her family. We have a responsibility to keep looking for her. We urge you - please do not give up on Madeleine.

"Finally, we would like to thank everybody for their continued help and support. We know that we are not alone in our efforts to find Madeleine, or in our desire to have Madeleine back home with us where she belongs. Thank you."